Black windows guide hero image

The Independent’s journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Why trust us?

Black windows guide 2024

Get Free Windows Quotes
Compare quotes to get the best price on your new windows
Do you rent or own your home?

Black windows can completely change your home’s aesthetics. They’re a versatile window colour choice that suits both modern and traditional properties. Black window frames come in different material choices, including aluminium, timber and uPVC. If you’re considering installing black windows, our guide explores the pros and cons of the popular colour choice, as well as related new window costs to help you choose the right black windows for your home. 

Complete our short form to request windows quotes for your home

Get free, no obligation quotes from up to 5 local windows installers

Compare quotes and pick the option that best suits your needs

What type of windows do you need?
It takes just 60 seconds

Black windows come in different window material types, such as aluminium, timber and uPVC. Not only do these different materials change the appearance of your windows, but they also come with different energy efficiency benefits too. 

Black aluminium windows

Black aluminium windows would suit contemporary properties thanks to their sleek and modern design. Aluminium windows are durable, strong and can withstand adverse weather conditions. They’re also easy to maintain and require very little to no maintenance. 

Black timber windows

Black timber windows are a traditional window frame choice. They’re elegant and stylish and also provide the best insulation out of the three window types listed. Though timber windows are energy efficient and aesthetically pleasing, they do require maintenance. If black timber windows are not properly maintained, they may rot or warp. They also tend to be the most expensive frames. 

Black uPVC windows

Black uPVC windows are durable and require very little maintenance. They are also the cheapest window frame material. Black uPVC windows offer a stylish appearance and can modernise your home.

icons8-check-mark-96

Can be cleaned less frequently

Thanks to the dark colour of black windows, they show marks and dirt less than white or lighter coloured windows

icons8-check-mark-96

Might be appealing for potential home buyers

Black windows are trendy and stylish, which might appeal to some home buyers, and has the potential to increase your home’s value

icons8-check-mark-96

Aesthetically pleasing

Black windows are stylish and a popular window choice that can suit modern and traditional aesthetics

icons8-cross-mark-96

Not suitable for darker exterior designs

Black windows don’t tend to suit homes with a dark exterior, mostly because they will just blend into the house design

icons8-cross-mark-96

Absorbs heat

Dark colours attract heat, especially the colour black. Over time, black window frames can suffer from sun damage because they absorb heat as opposed to reflecting it like white or light-coloured windows would

How much do black windows cost?

The cost of black windows can vary depending on what window frame material you choose, as well as the style of the window. 

Regardless of colour, uPVC generally tends to be the least expensive frame choice, closely followed by aluminium, and timber is the most expensive. With that being said, black windows are likely to cost more than white windows in any frame type; they can add around 10 to 20 per cent to the total cost of your window installation.  

When installing new windows, you’ll also have the option to choose between double glazing and triple glazing – with the latter costing more. As well as this, window styles such as casement, sash, and tilt and turn will affect the price of black windows. Casement windows are the most commonly installed windows in the UK and usually the least expensive window style.

Below is an approximate guide to the prices you can expect to pay for casement windows in both white and black in different materials based on our research.

Casement window material White window frame cost Black window frame cost
uPVC £527 – £650 £632 – £780
Aluminium £1,054 – £1,300 £1,265 – £1,560
Timber £1,581 – £1,950 £1,898 – £2,340

Are black windows the right choice for me?

Black windows can add character to your home’s overall look. If the exterior of your home is white, black windows could change the aesthetics. A white-coloured home can look dull and bland – black windows add contrast and can modernise the appearance of your home. 

Though black windows can create a modern look, they’re also well-suited to traditional or period properties. For example, black timber sash windows are traditional and can complement a period property’s classic design.

Frequently asked questions about black windows

Your black window lifespan will depend on which type of window you choose. Generally, double glazing windows have an average lifespan of around 25 to 30 years. Black windows should last a similar length of time. However, different frame types can last longer than others – uPVC is the cheapest type, but aluminium and timber frames tend to last longer.

When choosing your door’s colour, most homeowners opt for the same colour as their window frames. If you already have black windows, then you should choose to have black doors, as well. Your home’s appearance could look better if your doors and windows are the same colour. Also, if you’re considering selling your home in the future, potential buyers might favour a more cohesive look.

Windows cost calculator

See how much it would cost to get new windows for your home.

This calculator works using pricing data sourced directly from UK windows manufacturers. Prices are subject to fluctuations, however, so please use the results as a guide and contact suppliers for an exact price for your property.

Rachel Sadler new profile April 2024

Rachel Sadler

Home Tech Writer

Rachel is a seasoned writer who has been producing online and print content for seven years. 

As a home tech expert for Independent Advisor, Rachel researches and writes buying guides and reviews, helping consumers navigate the realms of broadband and home security gadgets. She also covers home tech for The Federation of Master Builders, where she reviews and tests home security devices. 

She started as a news and lifestyle journalist in Hong Kong reporting on island-wide news stories, food and drink and the city’s events. She’s written for editorial platforms Sassy Hong Kong, Localiiz and Bay Media. While in Hong Kong she attended PR events, interviewed local talent and project-managed photoshoots. 

Rachel holds a BA in English Language and Creative Writing and is committed to simplifying tech jargon and producing unbiased reviews.

Molly Dyson

Senior Editor

After growing up with a passion for writing, Molly studied journalism and creative writing at university in her home country of the United States.

She has written for a variety of print and online publications, from small town newspapers to international magazines. Most of her 10-year career since relocating to the UK has been spent in business journalism, writing and editing for admin professionals at PA Life magazine and business travel managers at Business Travel News Europe and representing those titles at conferences around the world.

Now an Editor at the Independent Advisor, Molly is an expert in a broad range of consumer topics, that include solar panels and renewables, home improvements and home insurance, and consumer technology such as home security and VPNs.

In her free time, Molly can usually be found exploring the outdoors with her husband and their young son or gardening.